Jason fell quiet on the other end of the line. “Friends, huh?”

“Friends,” she remarked casually. Glaring at the flowers, Carrie Ann added out of pure spite, “Friends…date…maybe.”

“I like the sound of that.”

Even with a warm measure of charm pouring from Jason’s voice, she didn’t feel the slightest tingle of interest. Not one zing. Guilt reared its ugly and unflattering head. Make it clear…friends only! Her typically poised date routine morphed into a ramble. “Would it be too much to ask if we just keep it simple…for right now. See how things go? I’ll be consumed for the next week, and honestly, I get so bogged down, all of my energy—”

“Carrie Ann, I totally understand. I’d love to go. I promise to keep my hands to myself and I won’t expect you to move in with me until we’ve had at least two dates.” He chuckled. “I’ll arrange a car. What time would you like me to pick you up? I’m assuming that’s okay?”

She had to laugh at his sarcasm. “That would be great. Six o’clock?”

“Six it is.”

*

A-listers arrived by car, feeding the frenzy of flashing lights and screeches of exhilaration from fans, press and paparazzi. Carrie Ann and Jason arrived via a separate entrance and waited in a VIP holding room along with one hundred or so other attendees. The eager movie goers cared not so much about the movie, but about the irresistible sensation of channeling their inner-celebrity for an evening.

Not wanting to draw attention to her girls, Carrie Ann opted to conceal her cleavage wearing an edgy, silver sequin cropped mini paired with blue suede peep toe ankle boots. The platform bootie with stiletto heel added some serious inches to her average five foot five height next to Jason’s broad six-foot stature.

Their conversation flowed easily, chatting it up with other guests waiting for staff to usher them in groups down the Red Carpet, spreading out the excitement. Jason was polite, attentive, and very admiring, hitting all the fine-tuned points a date needed to make a good impression. The man had what Carrie Ann referred to as Player discipline, delving out compliments in moderation to ensure its success ratio. Starting with the traditional, “You look beautiful,” upon arrival and, “Your eyes light up when you talk about HAHF,” during the drive, followed by an intrigued, “What makes you so passionate about the Have a Heart Foundation?” while in the holding room.

Fortunately, the Cinema staff came with impeccable timing and arrived right on cue to save her from sharing a personal story of her mother’s death, a story she rarely shared.

Stepping into the lime light, Carrie Ann duly inspected Jason’s masculine frame. She couldn’t deny his strikingly handsome features. Dark hair layered seamlessly across his forehead, tie knotted to perfection at his throat, even his shoes exhibited a pristine shine. Caught staring, Jason smiled amiably, taking the opportunity to rest his hand on her lower back. As the corners of her lips began to turn upward, he gave another adjustment to his already perfect tie, pressing and primping with neatly manicured fingers. Her lip recoiled with a tiny flinch, bombarded with the sudden urge to muddle his hair or dislocate his tie.

They stopped several times, managing to get in a few selfies along the Red Carpet. Carrie Ann discreetly canvased the walkway, fully prepared to run into Summer at some point during the evening. The constant feeling of distraction wore on her nerves.

Hearing shrills of excitement erupt in the distance sent a cautionary warning ping to her chest as autograph seekers called out for Ryan and his co-star Jessy. She automatically teetered on her tip toes, stretching her neck in the direction of the strobe of photogs, but couldn’t see anything through the cluster of press.

Once inside the Cinema, the insanity hushed to a low roar and scent of buttered popcorn permeated the air. Carrie Ann and Jason settled into their assigned seats directly behind Shayla and John.

“Hey,” Shayla croaked, choking on her popcorn seeing Jason at her side.

Carrie Ann purposely failed to mention bringing Jason to the premier, fearing a long lecture from Shayla that surely would’ve pointed out the fact that she’d already mentioned having no interest in dating Jason. Which undoubtedly would’ve led to topics like childish behavior or you’re using your date to make him jealous or You need to come clean with him. Or a number of other rational statements that Carrie Ann had no interest in hearing. She simply didn’t want to endure the humiliation of watching Ryan Summer parade a gorgeous woman around in front of her all night.

“It’s a madhouse out there. You look amazing. Great dress,” Carrie Ann complimented, hoping to ease the look of dismay washing the color from Shayla’s cheeks. She leaned over the seat-back between them, passing out hugs to her favorite couple. “Hi John.”

“The crowd is crazy!” John agreed, pressing a friendly kiss to her cheek before extending a hand to Jason. “John Mathews.”

“Jason, Jason Calver. Nice to meet you.

“This is my wife, Shayla.”

Shayla squashed the bewilderment forged into the groove between her brows before greeting Jason. “Pleasure to meet you. Carrie Ann’s told me all about the Villa you found for the auction. I can’t wait to see it this weekend.”

John’s eyes beaded and a rogue smile filled his handsome face. The man had a gift for reading people and judging by the snarky gleam in his eye, he knew exactly why Carrie Ann had a man at her side. He glanced toward a group seated several rows in front of them. She followed his lazy gaze, skimming over the crowd. An unusual sensation of butterflies fluttered in the pit of her stomach, spying a head of thick sandy blond hair. She wanted to look away, but couldn’t help noticing Summer’s co-star, Jessy and her husband sat to the right of him, and Drew filled the seat to his left.

No arm candy.

An awkward twinge fired off in the pit of her stomach. She fidgeted a bit, squaring her shoulders to adjust her posture. Why the hell am I even feeling the slightest bit of guilt for bringing Jason? The man had his chance years ago and blew it.

“You look lovely this evening, Carrie Ann.” John’s deep voice pulled her out of a trance. Understanding lingered in his emerald eyes, whispering, “You okay?”

His protective tone, considerate and caring, indicating Shayla had already mentioned her meltdown over the roses. The couple didn’t keep secrets and told each other everything. Truth be told, Carrie Ann had a wee bit of a crush on her best friend’s husband. It wasn’t your typical crush of attraction or infatuation. It was more like a man-crush. John sat at the top of her Men You Admire Poll. He could build or fix anything. That alone was impressive enough, bearing in mind she grew up in a house where her dad couldn’t or wouldn’t even change a lightbulb. Plus, John was an amazing father. However, what she loved most about John was that he thought the sun rose and set inside Shayla. He was crazy in love with her and didn’t hide it.

“I’m good.” Her tender smile acting as a thank you. “You look very debonair this evening.”

“Ha! Debonair? I don’t think that’s a category I fall under. The boys said they made some cash off you the other day.”

“They sure did. I was just happy not to have to endure a tarantula sighting.”

Focus all but obliterated, Carrie Ann dared to take another look in Summer’s direction. Drew peered over his shoulder, perusing the room with wide-eyed interest. The sheer buzz of excitement was evident in his exuberant smile. They made eye contact. He raised a hand, flashing her a peace sign as he flipped a chuck of blond hair from his forehead. She couldn’t help but delight in his enthusiasm. It was probably the coolest moment of his life thus far. Tossing him a quick wink, she settled into her seat.